People spend much time and energy preparing and earning a living. The rich man went to the finest schools and became a success in this world. He had a fine house, servants and enjoyed life. He reached the pinnacle in making a living, but did he learn how to live? What is your investment strategy for maximum reward?
Jesus told a parable about a rich man who asked his steward to give an account after squandering his master’s possessions. The steward had each of his master’s debtors pay off a fraction of the oil and wheat owed. The master praised the unrighteous steward because he acted shrewdly “for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light.” Christ said to make friends for yourselves using riches so when it fails they may receive you into eternal dwellings. He who is faithful in a little is faithful in much and he who is unrighteous in a little thing is unrighteous in much. God won’t entrust spiritual riches unless you’ve been faithful with money. No servant can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or hold to one and despise the other since no one can serve God and money (Lk. 16:1-13). Invest your time, talent and treasure to make friends in heaven.
The Pharisees who loved money scoffed at Jesus since they justified themselves before men. God knows your heart for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in His sight. The Law and Prophets were proclaimed until John and now people are coming with force into the kingdom of God as it is preached. All of God’s word comes true. Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery and he who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery (Lk. 16:14-18). Esteem the application of God’s word more than recognition from men.
A rich man lived in splendor every day and a poor man named Lazarus laid at his gate covered with sores longing to be fed with the crumbs falling from the rich man’s table. The poor man died and was carried away to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man died, went to Hades and being in torment, cried out for mercy so Lazarus could dip the tip of this finger in water and cool off his tongue since he was in agony in this flame. Abraham said he received the good things of life and Lazarus bad things, but now he is being comforted and the rich man in agony. A great chasm prevents anyone from crossing over. The rich man asked Father Abraham to warn his five brothers about this place of torment. Abraham said if they don’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead (Lk. 16:19-31). Eternal agony in hell should motivate you to help others reach heaven as they learn God’s word.
Are you investing your time, talent and treasure for eternal reward in helping people enter heaven and grow spiritually?
